Shirley Kathleen Riley

Shirley Kathleen Riley (Biggs), age 89, slipped into the arms of the Lord on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at Olathe Medical Center surrounded by her husband and children.

She was born February 11, 1936 in Nashville, TN to Rev. J.A. & Bessie (Moses) Biggs as one of 10 children. She met her husband Dr. Phillip M Riley at Trevecca Nazarene College (Nashville) and married April 5, 1957. She was his partner in ministry for more than 3 decades and she served in key roles such as District Missionary President and then was sought out by the International Church of the Nazarene to serve as the Director of Leadership Conferences for pastors and their wives (PALCON and WILCON) over 8 years across the US and Europe on Nazarene University campuses.

Shirley is survived by her husband Phillip and 3 children: Dr. Sondra Cave (Rev. Robert) of Olathe, KS; Dr. David Riley (Renee) of Olathe, KS; Dr. Paul Riley (Sandy) of Valencia, CA. She is survived by 6 grandchildren: Bobby Cave (Jaleah), and Heather Vallad (Jeremy); Emily Grusenmeyer (Eric), Chandler Riley (Caroline), AnnMarie Riley; and Lauren Bagian (Mike). She is survived by 12 great grandchildren.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents and 4 brothers, and is survived by 4 sisters and 1 brother.

Those who knew Shirley will remember her Christlike example. She also exemplified a selfless, giving, loving impact on others in her leadership and her love of family and church. Shirley’s gentle and playful spirit resulted in many stories ending in laughter for all who knew her.

Services will be held at College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe KS.  To view the service via live stream, click here: https://youtube.com/live/9cZo5IdsL94?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to Trevecca Nazarene University, Office of University Engagement, 333 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37210-2877, and given in memory of Shirley Riley (Biggs).